1. (1) coordinate State policy and working relationships among State, local, and nonprofit agencies concerning efforts to remedy and prevent homelessness;
2. (2) coordinate data sharing between local Continuums of Care;
3. (3) coordinate outreach to each Continuum of Care to develop joint strategies that impact State and federal funding efforts to remedy and prevent homelessness;
4. (4) determine comprehensive and effective collaborative strategies and best practices for remediation and prevention of homelessness in the State, in particular addressing the differing needs of the State's geographic areas;
5. (5) review and analyze the need for and availability of affordable and accessible housing resources to address the needs of homeless individuals throughout the State;
6. (6) recommend changes necessary to alleviate or prevent homelessness, including making recommendations annually to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, and appropriate State agencies and organizations regarding effective policies, effective distribution of resources, and access to available services and programs;
7. (7) identify supportive services for special populations, including veterans, youth, families, and individuals with behavioral health problems;
8. (8) disseminate information and educate the public about the prevalence and causes of and responses to homelessness;
9. (9) solicit input from the advocacy community, the business community, the faith community, and consumers regarding policy and program development; and
10. (10) determine best practices and models for providing emergency shelter and shelter diversion, including ensuring the health, safety, and security of shelter residents, providing client-centered and trauma-informed support services, and ensuring equal access to protected classes under applicable federal, State, and local civil rights laws.

The Council shall:

Added as Human Services § 6-423 by Acts 2014, c. 341, § 1, eff. July 1, 2014. Amended by Acts 2015, c. 460, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2015. Transferred to Housing and Community Development § 4-2107 by Acts 2017, c. 105, § 1, eff. July 1, 2017. Amended by Acts 2019, c. 8, § 5.